AUCKLAND ITEMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1220, 17 April 1875, Page 3

AUCKLAND ITEMS.

The boundaries of the Thames gold fields (telegraphs our Auckland corresf oudeut) have been extended by the addition of a hundred thousand acres, by a proclamation published in the Gazette of the Sth instant. This addition includes land across Tairua. The cause of this addition is not made publio yet, but your correspondent learns that a rich gold discovery has been made at Tairua, but it is kept secret until the prospectors are able to peg out under to-day's proclamation. Tairua lies 20 miles from the Thames, on the coast. There is a largn sawmill there. — At the nomination to-day for the late Mr John Williamson's vacant seat in the Assembly, Mr Dignan rested hia claim to election mainly on his support to' Sir George Gray. He would place "himself among the Superintendent's' following. Mr Dargaville aaid ho was a supporter of Sir Georgo Grey's, but went on to speak in favour of tho total abolition of Provinces. Although opposed to the resolutions of lasfc session, he advocated £ehiing all the other Provinces to combine against Canterbury and Otago to make an one'anyht on the Land Fund, and aaid this would only be secured by total abolition. He thought making the Upper House elective would be some compensation for the. loss of representative in-" stitutions in the removal of the Provincial Council. Mr DargaVille openly admits a large dependence on the Orange Society. Mr Dignan is a Catholic, and his supporters are very confident. It is difficult to pre«, diet the result, but opinions are in favour of Mr Dignau'* chances. — A cage before the Wardens' Court at Ohinemuri clearly proved the issue of Home rights before the appointed hour. The Warden dis* qualified several claimants in consequence. Other disputants amalgamated.